as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Martin, a redshirt sophomore, took first-string snaps in practice, every repetition coveted by a player who has thrown all of five passes in college.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Darnold can surely draw on his scout-team duties against the 49ers’ first-string defense last season and vice versa.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
Wednesday’s first-string receivers were Samuel and Chris Conley.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
As of now, the first-string edge rushers appear to be Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu, with Drew Tuazama and Grant Buckey backing them up.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Martin, a redshirt sophomore, took first-string snaps in practice, every repetition coveted by a player who has thrown all of five passes in college.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Darnold can surely draw on his scout-team duties against the 49ers’ first-string defense last season and vice versa.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
Wednesday’s first-string receivers were Samuel and Chris Conley.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
As of now, the first-string edge rushers appear to be Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu, with Drew Tuazama and Grant Buckey backing them up.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
12 May 2025
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That means that barring a massive night by Brunson -- who is dealing with two excellent perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White -- the Celtics should be able to not only win, but cover, for the second game in a row.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
Comment Wow, what a terrific series finale to Luthen, the acclaimed Disney+ show about the rebel who challenged an Empire, and also all of the other rebels, mostly by lecturing them incessantly.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
14 May 2025
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Already an Olympic bronze medalist thanks to her play for Team USA's 3 vs. 3 squad at the 2024 Paris games, Van Lith concluded a terrific NCAA career with a final season starring in the Big 12 for Texas Christian University.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Of course, Blue Ivy has been blowing fans away with her fierce performances and stellar moves throughout the show.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
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The locals sure aren't, with an increasing number of surfers finally catching on to the islands' stellar swells.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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For all of his flaws during his two years in the top flight, Firpo has been superb in the Championship.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Law exudes dogged intensity and Nicholas Hoult is superb as the charismatic white supremacist leader in a gripping action drama.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There is seemingly a show for each subgenre for fans of all those great 2000s series.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
White Smoke Billows from Vatican Chimney White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Thursday, signaling that a new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—had been chosen on the second day of the conclave.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
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Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.—
Cat Sposato,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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This should position ServiceNow as a prime choice for organizations ready for comprehensive digital transformation, although simpler solutions may be more suitable for those with more straightforward needs.—
Melody Brue,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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Dad, a newsreader for the BBC, grew up in Caterham, a town near the M25 motorway that encircles London and prime Palace-supporting territory.—
Rebecca Lowe,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Flavors of light red fruit, cherry tart and sparking acidity with a lovely finish and pronounced length.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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After admiring this lovely beer, savor the herbal, yeasty aromas, Champagne-like bubbles, a malt-forward body and splashes of lime and pineapple on the finish.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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